Committee on Public Information

Definition

The Committee on Public Information (CPI) was a U.S. government agency established in 1917 during World War I to influence public opinion and promote support for the war effort. The CPI used various methods, including propaganda, to communicate messages that rallied citizens around the war and encouraged enlistment, purchasing war bonds, and supporting wartime policies. This agency played a crucial role in shaping American perceptions of the war and mobilizing the nation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CPI was created by President Woodrow Wilson to promote American involvement in World War I and to unify public opinion in favor of the war.
2. The agency employed a diverse array of media outlets, including posters, pamphlets, films, and speeches, to disseminate pro-war messages.
3. The CPI also recruited thousands of 'Four Minute Men,' volunteers who delivered short speeches in public venues to encourage support for the war.
4. The impact of the CPI was significant in fostering a sense of nationalism and patriotism among Americans during the war.
5. After the war, many critics argued that the CPI's methods blurred the lines between information and propaganda, raising concerns about freedom of speech.

Review Questions

• How did the Committee on Public Information utilize various forms of media to influence public opinion during World War I?
  • The Committee on Public Information harnessed multiple forms of media such as posters, pamphlets, films, and speeches to shape public sentiment towards World War I. By effectively utilizing these platforms, the CPI crafted messages that not only rallied citizens around the war effort but also fostered a sense of national pride. Their comprehensive approach ensured that nearly every aspect of American life was infused with pro-war rhetoric, helping to sway public opinion significantly in favor of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
• Evaluate George Creel's leadership role within the Committee on Public Information and his impact on wartime propaganda.
  • George Creel played a pivotal role as the head of the Committee on Public Information, bringing his background in journalism and public relations to craft effective wartime propaganda. Under his leadership, the CPI expanded its reach by employing innovative strategies like engaging volunteer speakers known as 'Four Minute Men.' Creel's emphasis on using emotional appeals through art and storytelling helped generate widespread support for the war effort while also establishing propaganda as a significant tool in government communications.
• Discuss the long-term implications of the Committee on Public Information's strategies for public communication and its effects on civil liberties in America.
  • The strategies employed by the Committee on Public Information during World War I had profound long-term implications for public communication and civil liberties in America. While successfully galvanizing support for the war effort, the CPI's methods raised critical questions about government control over information and free speech. The fine line between information dissemination and propaganda became blurred, leading to legislative measures like the Espionage Act that curtailed dissent. These developments set a precedent for future government actions during crises, balancing national security with civil rights concerns.

Related terms

Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, particularly during wartime.

George Creel: The head of the Committee on Public Information who was instrumental in organizing and executing its propaganda efforts.

Espionage Act of 1917: A federal law that made it a crime to interfere with military operations or support U.S. enemies during wartime, reflecting the heightened sensitivity to dissent during World War I.